Eizoku Kage

Tadashi’s Narration: “What is this feeling…?

Peace? I wish this would last…”

A bright light consumes vision and yet within that light, a lingering shadow lurks. A hand reaching into grasp as fingers curl around the tips of digits and yet within seconds of it happening, it’s quickly pulled away as the young boy’s body jerks restlessly from sleep.

The morning light streams through partially opened curtains as Tadashi sits upright, pressing balled up fists against his eyes, rubbing to wipe away the sleepiness, he blinks a couple of times. Wanting to recall what he dreamed about as one hand fell into his lap, the other rests against his forehead, eyes squinting. The effort of trying to remember makes him strain his facial muscles.

Tadashi: “Wait… who was that?”

Daisuke shifts on his bed at the opposite side of the room to face Tadashi.

Daisuke: “Who was who?” a soft yawn escapes his lips as he stretches his arms out and rolls onto his back.

“You sure talk a lot in your sleep. I don’t remember you being this talkative at the home”

Tadashi: “Probably because of your snoring ass.. What time is it, anyway?”

Kai: “Up and at ‘em, lads! Better get yourselves ready and out here before I drag you out by your little bitchy girl ears!” Kai calls through the door, knocking his fist on the wood once.

The two glance at each other before getting up. Once they were dressed they met in the living area.

Kai: “You two are lucky, I’ll give you that. It was a close escape last night. But you best not believe that I’ll be taking it easy on you - we almost got caught” he nudged the chair beside him with his foot.

“Let’s go over your training regimen. But first - Breakfast. Dig in. You’ll need it. And I won’t let an empty stomach be an excuse for your incompetence” he gave a light smile.

Reaching across the table, he pulls the cereal box towards him and begins filling up his bowl.

Operation Shell.

Pan scale across Liberty, the streets are bustling. The scene scales upon an open window and balcony as Kenshiro steps back inside the lounge. The tall muscular man stretches out his hands, cracking his knuckles before proceeding to crack his neck. The man's dark gaze falls upon the emperor.

Kenshiro: “So, guess I got to skip the line to be your first choice. How many poor saps did I screw out of a job?”

Shura: “Two.”

Kenshiro: “Nice. Gotta mould them when they’re young. It’s a shame you can’t promise their safety…”

He’s quickly interrupted…

Shura: “I won’t have to. You’re quick enough not to let any of that happen. Regardless, you better take special care of her. Else, the next speech I give will be at your funeral.” reaching his gloved hand against Hikari’s head, he petted her hair.

In one corner of the room a boy is sitting playing on a game console. The game reflects a city being trampled by giants, whilst the player tries to stop them. The boy groans as he fails to stop the giants, dropping the controller into his lap.

Boy: “Awwww, dang it!!...”

Hikari glances over before leaving Shura’s side as she stands beside the boy.

Hikari: “What’s that?”

The boy looked up, his dark red eyes met hers as he leaned forward to examine her. The controller slipped from his lap into the chair.

Boy: “A trash game by a trash developer. Anyway, what’s your Trait?” he stared at her before standing up, his height towering over her.

Kenshiro: “Dante, that’s not how you introduce yourself. Hikari will be learning alongside you. One day, you two will be defending Liberty together.”

Dante: “But she’s just a kid. So small, too.” he leans closer, getting into her face, his eyes narrowing.

Hikari: “So are you! Just because you’re tall -” she snaps back

Shura: “Play nice, Hikari.” he turns to look at Kenshiro

“I’ll be back tonight, you best get started with planning their training. By the way, I’ve picked another student to attend - they’re one of my subjects sons” he pauses

“This isn’t the first time you’ve trained a unit, Captain. I expect great tidings in the near future.”

Kenshiro: “Won’t be the last, either. I’ll need the names of the other mentors, and a larger place to train.” he glances around “Way bigger than this.”

Shura lifts his hand, card held between his fingers towards him.

Shura: “Tell them what you need and you'll get it. As for the other teams… check your mail. If it hasn’t been sorted out by now, I’ll make it so.”

Shura leaves.

Hikari and Dante seem to be squaring up. Electricity flickering from her fingertips as Dante holds a black dust filled ball in his hand.

Kenshiro: “Gods, I can already tell these little shits will give me a migraine…and a half.” glancing over, his brows knit tightly

“Hey! You two”

Quickly moving between them, he shoves Dante back into the chair, his hand quickly catching Hikari’s wrist, he tuts loudly.

“Didn’t your Daddy teach you to play fair?” he earns a glare from Hikari, causing him to laugh as he pushes her into the chair beside Dante and hands her the second controller.

“Help Dante with this level. I need a moment”

Reaching for his phone he keys in the number, the words on the card amusing him.

Kenshiro: “Operation Shell. Let’s cheat death's design. What a great slogan for such a shit company.”

Woman: “Mr Shoda, what would you like sir?”

Kenshiro: “Everything you’ve got. And a little more. Put it on the Emperor’s tab.”